One of my older hens trying to crow?

[Chickn chick 46]

I thought I was hearing things, but I swear I heard a really off pitch, really bad attempt at a rooster crow. I don't have any roosters and haven't had for some time. The first time I heard it my chicks were only a few weeks old and I'm 99% sure they are all hens.

I haven't seen it only heard it and I have no idea who is doing it, but is something like this something any one else experienced? Its really weird to hear it, makes you sit up and take notice. They are kind of old, 3-5 year olds. Do they start losing their marbles as they age? And no, I haven't lost mine although I had to question myself once or twice

 

[M To The Maxx]

Is the "hen" laying or did she lay?

 

[Chickn chick 46]

hmmm, I'm not sure if she had just finished laying or not but I've had these birds long enough to recognize their chicken language and I have never heard this noise before. It was really close to being roostery. Weird!!
I wish I had been out there to see what was going on. I do have a hen that lays an enormous egg, so big it barely fits in the egg carton. Maybe it was her

Maybe that was all it was, thx!

 

[sfw2]

I haven't experienced it myself, but I've read other posts where, in flocks with no rooster, the "alpha" hen may start crowing.

 

[NYREDS]

It happens, usually in older hens. Usually signals a hormone problem often as a result of an ovarian cyst or tumor. I'm unconvinced about the "alpha hen" theory.